There's a lot about modern technology that would have made my childhood self ridiculously excited. The ability to play the likes of Streets of Rage in the palm of my hand for one, being able to play 3D games without glasses thanks to a Nintendo 3DS for another - even just the opportunity to call someone from a mobile phone would have seemed pretty futuristic to the 10 year old me. I think this next one is going to take the prize of most amazing, though. Being able to control an indoor helicopter with my iOS device.

That reality is possible thanks to Griffin Technology and their new creation the HELO TC.

The HELO TC is a twin-rotored, indoor helicopter built on a lightweight metal frame with a black polycarbonate body. I'm no engineer, but that sounds pretty stylish to me. The sample images certainly back that thought up.

The helicopter comes with a Flight Deck infrared module which plugs into the iOS device in order to transmit control signals to the helicopter. Two types of flight are then made available. Touch Control uses the display to control the throttle and virtual joystick. Tilt to Steer mode uses the iOS device's accelerometers thus meaning that users have a more tactile experience. The app can also record and store three Flight Plans so that users can repeat a flight pattern quickly and easily.

The HELO TC is a very neat idea. The helicopter's built in battery recharges from any USB power source while the Flight Deck module simply needs 4 AAA batteries. It's simple things like this that means the HELO TC will be a very affordable $49.99 upon its retail release later this year, just in time for the holiday season.

For those who can't wait, the HELO TC is also available from the Griffin Technology site, although be warned, it's currently showing as out of stock there.